If you think trade jobs are only for men, think again. In 2022, women are conquering the world and doing so by working alongside men in every blue-collar trade.
In this article, we will dive into the top 3 most profitable trade jobs for women to enter in 2022. Our goal is to help you decide which career trajectory may be the right path to enter.
Dental Hygienist:
Average Salary: $65,000-$95,000
One of the highest paying jobs for women is becoming a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists work alongside dentists in cleaning and polishing teeth, checking the overall health of the gums and mouth, administering fluoride, and providing preventative dental care. Without the help of a dental hygienist, dentists would have to decrease the number of patients they see in a day.
Steps to Becoming a Dental Hygienist:
To jump into this field of work you will have to complete a dental hygiene program and pass the dental hygiene national board exam. Once licensed you will become a “registered dental hygienist” and can start working on patients in a dental office, dental hygiene care facility, or a community dental health clinic.
Those becoming dental hygienists do not need to have attended a traditional four-year university before entering this field. However, we recommend you gain an associate degree but again it is not necessary. The Dental Hygiene program you attend must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
There are three types of CODA-accredited programs. One, entry-level: This path is for students who have no experience in the field. Two, degree completion: This path is for those who are already licensed dental hygienists but want to further their education beyond the entry-level program. Third, graduate: This path is for those wanting to gain a master’s degree.
Construction Manager
Average Salary: $45,000-$100,000
Throughout the United States construction jobs have been in high demand. If a typical desk job isn't your forte, becoming a construction manager might be the career choice for you. As a construction manager, your role is to oversee construction projects, and schedules, organize budgets, hire contractors and consult with architects, engineers, and city regulations. These are just a few of the responsibilities on a construction site.
Most employers prefer hiring an individual with either an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or previous experience. While a degree will make it easier for you to land a job as a construction manager, it isn't a necessity. Many who do not graduate with a four-year college degree can be better qualified as general contractors if they have prior experience in the field. These individuals may also be qualified to become self-employed contractors.
Steps to becoming a Construction Manager
Similar to other management roles, a job in construction management requires a handful of skills. For example, leadership, communication, learning and adapting, and experimenting. If your personality matches these characteristics, take the steps below to begin your career.
Step 1: Education
In the previous paragraphs, we have explained that while you can work without a degree, most companies will want to see that you have completed a bachelor's in management or communications. Over four years you will learn how to manage a team, spot trends, understand risk management, and learn safety procedures.
Step 2: Find an entry-level position or work as an Apprentice
In conjunction with earning your bachelor's degree, we recommend taking a job at an entry-level position in the field or as an apprentice. Most firms won’t hire you straight out of college without knowing you have the management skills it takes to run a construction business. Working at an entry-level position or as an apprentice will afford you hands-on job experience making it a perfect addition to your resume.
Heating and Air-Conditioning Technician
Average Salary: $43,000-$58,000
Heating and air-conditioning technicians otherwise known as HVAC technicians are a thriving job opportunity for women entering the workforce. Unlike other career paths, this field trains and pays you at the same time. With its high earning potential, becoming an HVAC tech will rapidly advance your career trajectory.
So what does an HVAC Technician do? Some specific responsibilities may include reading blueprints, welding pipes, connecting wires, and repairing components of the system to ensure that they are all functioning correctly.
Steps to becoming an HVAC Technician
Step 1: Receive a high school diploma
Step 2: Complete an HVAC certificate program
While not all states require you to receive an HVAC certificate, many states do regulate laws around education and training. Look into whether or not your state requires you to complete a certificate program before being able to work. Most programs can be completed in a year or less and will teach you the basic technical skills needed to become a successful technician.
Step 3: Apply for an Apprenticeship Program
After you have completed your certification program we recommend applying for an apprenticeship. Working as an apprentice will allow you to gain hands-on experience from other technicians in the industry. While it is not required, gaining this additional experience will look great on your resume which will then help you transition into the field.